User Reviews for Erivedge (vismodegib)

I know this personal account is rather long but some may find it useful for its detail. When my dermatological surgeon suggested therapy with Erivedge I did my online research but found only brief narrative reporting by patients who underwent the therapy. In order to help others facing the ordeal of Basal Cell Carcinoma like had developed on my left temple, I want to share my observations and furnish more detail regarding the many questions that I researched when I was faced with choosing a course of action. Consequently, while this information is entirely anecdotal, it may be useful to those who search it out. For the record, I am a 78 year old caucasian male who has until quite recently been very active, strong, and healthy. I love to work hard and love the out-of-doors. I almost never catch a cold or flu, with up to twenty years at the interval. Also for the record, I was vaccinated against pneumonia and Covid-19, however germane that may be. On April of 2023 my dermatologist diagnosed Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) on my left temple. Several years earlier, a different dermatologist had noticed the small lesion there and diagnosed it as seborrheic keratosis, a benign growth which he scraped away. He subsequently reported that lab analysis showed it was not cancerous. Three years later at the same spot I had developed a nasty lesion that occasionally bled a little. By the time my current dermatologist examined the lesion it had advanced to the size of a thumbprint. I was referred to a surgeon who suggested Erivedge instead of Mohs Surgery due to the risk of nerve damage during the surgery. The lesion was directly over the temple nerve branch that controls the face and eyebrow. It seemed good advice to treat with Erivedge first and then to follow up with surgery afterwards if necessary. The surgeon said Erivedge would likely shrink if not eradicate the cancerous lesion. So on August 3, 2023 I embarked on the regimen of Erivedge Cap 150mg taken orally on a daily basis. THE RESULTS Before I discuss the side effects and the course of treatment that elicited them, I will cut to the chase concerning efficacy. Afterwards I will follow with details regarding how I experienced the treatment and its associated side effects. The good news is that it worked to eradicate the cancer. After a six month-plus period of treatment, my byopsies (five surrounding the site of the original lesion) showed no cancer. I will add that during the last six weeks of treatment the dermatological surgeon prescribed an additional drug, a topical named Imiquimod, which I applied nightly as instructed. I believe the strategy with this topical was to heighten the immune response in the area of the lesion, which by a general localized inflammation was demonstrated its efficacy. So, after receiving the negative biopsy report at month seven, I am set for a follow up three months hence, which follow up will be in July 2024. I’m aware that studies mentioned online reveal that one in three cases of BCC treated with Erivedge show a return of cancer. I like my chances – two out of three. And should it return, it is my understanding that there are three options: radiation therapy, surgery, or more Erivedge. The TREATMENT PROGRAM and the SIDE EFFECTS First, a look at the treatment program: I received my first prescription in August 2023 and a refill each month thereafter through January 2024 for a total of six months’ regimen of Erivedge. Monthly appointments with the surgeon were scheduled to gauge the progress at which time an examination was followed by taking a photograph of the lesion in order to document how the treatment was working. There was little to report in the way of eradicating the cancer until toward the latter stages of treatment. I was not encouraged by this early outcome but nevertheless adhered to the plan. What I did notice during treatment was that the lesion was becoming less “angry” in appearance and, furthermore, it was not increasing norRead More Read Less

worked noticeably for three months, then nothing or so slow it is discouraging

I have been taking this drug sense 01/02/18. I had more than 25 sores over my head. now, there is only a few and it even took big sores away and still going strong. I didn't really had any side affects to worry about. I had low self esteem when I had sores all over my head and face people can see. now, my low self esteem has gone away and I look better and more happier. awesome meds

Introduced to the new drug by my dermatologist in late 2012, an irregular heartbeat prevented removal of the long negleted basil cell by normal surgery. The cell located above my right eye. After 3 months of treatment, 150 MG pill, my doctor was amazed at the progress of the healing factor, summoning staff to observe. A side effect,losing the sensation of taste in non spicy-foods (hot)while bearable did contribute to a welcomed weight loss at first. The continuing loss became alarming after a point and I started using protien supplements loaded with vitamins and was perscribed monthly B-12 injections by my PCP. 7 months into the treatment the cell was reduced considerably, although my eye was producing tears at a rate the drainage system couldn't handle. Appontments for heart monitering were undertaken during this time period also. Fearing the cancer had moved into my eye socket I was advised to stop the drug and see the staff of an eye clinic to diagnose the problem. After 2 months of intermittent tests and laser eye surgery to open a vent in one of the Y shaped drain flaps, which I was informed was tilted toward the other due to eye pressure and caused a narrowing was performed to increase drainage. I was advised the procedure was a success although the watering continued for weeks until the follow up with the Eye Clinic stated nothing more could be done. An upcoming appointment with another eye specialist and resuming the drug regime 1 1/2 months ago including laser treatments to the infected area above the eye with another treatment due after the eye appointment. Initial reversal of the effects of the cancer were welcomed and prove this drug is benefical in treating the disease. Side effects are tolerable as stated and I highly recommend it's effectivness. Read More Read Less